HabsWorld.net --
For nine minutes the Canadiens(22-13-8) were on their heels as the Bruins (21-18-4) pressed for the goal which would equalize the game at three, but with just over 8 minutes remaining Bruins defenseman Mark Stuart was unable to beat Mathieu Dandenault to the puck along the boards. Dandenault cut to the net and beat Tim Thomas with a weak back hand shot to provide the Habs will all the insurance they would need.
Montreal opened the scoring on their second power play of the game, Tomas Plekanec attempted to slide a pass through the crease but it was unsuccessful as Chara blocked with his hands behind the helpless Thomas, line mates Alex Kovalev and Andrei Kostitsyn picked up the assists.
Just 54 seconds later Maxim Lapierre extended the Canadiens lead with his second goal of the season. Lapierre was the unchecked forward on a 3 on 2 rush as was left alone to tap in the rebound from Chris Higgins shot, Michael Ryder also picked up an assist.
In the second half of the second period while enjoying their 6th power play Alex Kovalev scored one of his cookie cutter power play goals and as Pierre McGuire put it “Not even Sugar Jim Henry could have stopped that one” Mark Streit and Tomas Plekanec picked up the assists.
A lucky bounce changed the tide of the game, Aaron Ward in his first game back after missing eight games with a broken foot took a slap shot which missed the net by at least 5 feet but the puck bounced off the boards and off the foot of Cristobal Huet and into the back of the net.
Milan Lucic scored a similar goal just two minutes into the third period beating Huet short side off the post, off the back of Huet and into the net. The goal was just moments after Koivu misplayed a 3 on 1 which ended in a weak shot into the chest of Tim Thomas.
Dandenault added his second of the game with a little over 70 seconds left, completing the a beautiful passing play and the Habs 5th win against the Bruins this season.
Game Notes: Corey Locke and Tom Kostopoulos were both removed from the line-up in favour of Mathieu Dandenault and Bryan Smolinski.
Three Stars
1. Alex Kovalev- scored from his money spot on the power play and picked up an assist once again his line was the best on either team.
2. Milan Lucic- scored a goal and threw his weight around all night long.
3. Mathieu Dandenault- earned his spot in the line up by providing the late game insurance the Canadiens needed for the win.
Fun Facts
1. Montreal scored 2 or more power play goals in a game for the 15th time this season in those 15 games they have a record of (12-1-2)
2. Tomas Plekanec has eight points against the Bruins this season.
3. NHL save % leader Tim Thomas with a season mark of .932 has an .880 save % against the Canadiens this year.
